What began in 1990 as a modest one-man plumbing business has grown into a dynamic, award-winning operation employing over 35 staff and serving Queensland’s southeast with professionalism and pride.

Humble Beginnings with a Ford Galaxie and a Vision

The journey began when Peter traded a Ford Galaxie car for plumbing work — inspiring the original business name, Galaxy Plumbing. With an ex-Telstra van and a strong work ethic, Peter, joined by lifelong mates and his wife Madonna, tackled local maintenance jobs, blocked drains, and even home renovations during quiet spells. As Madonna recalls, “I’d come home from work to find the laundry gone… his explanation? ‘We weren’t busy today.’”

These early chapters reflect the DIY spirit and bold determination that would shape the business for decades to come.

Building a Family and a Business

From their Holland Park home, Peter and Madonna raised their three children — Rachel, Sam, and Nicole — while growing the business and training apprentices like Michael Spragg, who would go on to run his own successful O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing business in Gumdale. 

As demand increased, they expanded from domestic maintenance to new home builds for names like Australand and Coral Homes. In 2000, they began taking on commercial work, starting with St Augustine’s School in Springfield. They are now experts in responsive maintenance in both plumbing and electrical.

Each time they moved family homes, which also acted as the business HQ — from Holland Park to Mansfield to Rochedale — reflected not just growth, but a commitment to keeping family, business, and values at the heart of their success.

The final move was to separate home and business: the business moved to rented offices at Salisbury and then to the current Coopers Plains location which Peter and Madonna purchased and renovated to suit the business requirements. The family moved back to Holland Park up the road from where it all began!

Innovation and Evolution Through the O’Brien Network

Joining the O’Brien and Laser Network in 2016 was a pivotal decision that introduced streamlined systems and software upgrades, business reviews, and — perhaps most importantly — a rich network of peers across the country.

Over the last nine years, Madonna and Peter have built deep friendships within the Network — reconnecting with old colleagues and forging new bonds with members from Sydney, Newcastle, and beyond. The camaraderie and knowledge-sharing that comes with being part of the O’Brien and Laser Network has not only strengthened their operations but reinforced their belief in continuous learning and improvement.

Their efforts culminated in a proud achievement in 2024 — being named O’Brien Business of the Year.

Together, Peter and Madonna have trained 66 apprentices, employed over 400 people, and created a legacy that spans generations. They have always kept their people at the core, whether they are team, family or friends.

Supporting Mental Health Through TIACS

One of the most meaningful aspects of O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing Coopers Plains’ story is their passionate support for TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter) — a not-for-profit mental health support service tailored to tradespeople.  TAICS is partly funded by TradeMutt.

TIACS offers free professional counselling for those in blue-collar industries. In the past two years, the Coopers Plains team raised $8,000 for TIACS, adding to their fundraising and awareness efforts through raffles and supplier-supported events. An amazing effort.

Their advocacy ensures that mental health remains a priority in an industry that often doesn’t talk about it enough — and their support reflects the business’s core value: people matter most.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on the last 35 years, Madonna said it best: “We need to be proud of what we have achieved.” From training future leaders, growing a vibrant business, and staying true to their roots, O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Coopers Plains continues to embody everything the Network values — family spirit, professionalism, and heart.

Congratulations to Peter, Madonna, and the entire Coopers Plains team. We’re honoured to celebrate this incredible milestone with you.

The post Celebrating 35 Years of Excellence at O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Coopers Plains appeared first on O'Brien.

It catches Australians off-guard every year. So, as the temperature starts to dip, it’s a great idea to make preparations now so you can help keep your family and home warm, without costing you the planet.

To help you out, our O'Brien Plumbing experts have put together a list of cost-effective ways to help keep warm this winter – so you can feel cosy and comfortable despite the cold.

When we talk about the winter season, there are a lot of things to look forward to. However, shivering, chattering teeth and frozen feet are not amongst them. So, to prevent the cold from bothering you, here are some simple things you can do:

1. Identify and seal any air leaks.

If you have a draughty home, you’ll tend to feel the winter chill a lot more. So, before the weather gets too cold, check for drafts and leaks coming from

under your doors, windows and ceilings.

Caulking is one way to seal them. Or, for more of a quick fix, you can simply use a sand-filled door snake, a rolled-up towel or spare thick fabric to prevent heat from escaping.

2. Maximise the power of sunshine!

We’re lucky in Australia as, even during the winter, we can get some very sunny days. So, open those curtains and let the sunshine pour in when it’s up. This way, you’ll be able to get some natural light and warmth into your home. Just make sure to close them again as soon as dusk falls, so you’ll be able to trap the heat inside.

3. Use a humidifier and ceiling fans.

While this sounds counter-productive, these two make a great team. A humidifier unit adds moisture back into the air, especially if it has a heating setting. Using it can also help hydrate your skin to battle the dry, harsh weather.

On the other hand, adjusting the direction of your ceiling fans by allowing them to spin counter-clockwise will enable the warm air to move back down into the room. Talk about a great trick.

4. Get those rugs, electric blankets and heated mattress pads out.

Rugs are more than just for aesthetics – they can also help prevent heat loss from wooden floorings and can help keep your pets and feet warm. This is a great time to add your electric blankets and heated mattress to your bed too. With these warm covers, you can get a good night’s sleep without the cold creeping in.

5. Invest in a reliable hot water solution.

Hot water is something every Australian household can’t live without. We need it for cooking, cleaning and of course – hot showers and baths!

To help ensure that you’ll have enough warm water flowing from your taps this coming winter, it’s time to invest in a reliable hot water system.

Ask yourself: how’s your current hot water system?

• Is it old or outdated?
• Is it the right unit for your home?
• Is it costing you too much?
• Is it correctly installed?

Don’t put up with it any longer – because you don’t need to. To battle the cold this season, you may need more than just a few extra layers of clothes and a cup of hot choco topped with marshmallows. A reliable hot water system means when you turn your shower on in the morning, warm water awaits. At O'Brien Plumbing, we’ve got you covered this winter. To equip your home with an ideal hot water system, O'Brien expert plumbers are ready to install the right unit for you and your home.

Find your local O'Brien Plumber

Let’s get you all warm and comfy this winter.

The post How To Keep Warm This Winter: 5 Tips To Stave Off The Cold From Your Household appeared first on O'Brien.